Printing plate for this series of collagraphs were created on two layers of matte board (glued) . Layers of gauze, string, paper, and thread was applied to the matte board with white glue. Once dry the plate was coated, front and back, with varnish.

Recently I have enjoyed playing around with tessellations. A tessellation has been defined as a pattern of shapes that repeats and interlocks. The pattern fills a surface without gaps or overlaps. Many webpages show simple methods for creating tessellations with younger art students. Tessellations.org (http://www.tessellations.org/methods-diy-papercut.shtml) shows the PAPER CUT METHOD This tessellation lesson is easy and foolproof. Here are my examples:

My drawing using the paper cut method I found my shape, you can see my pencil lines from the original square I started with.

drawing, E-Z cut lino material and sketch of tessellation, here is the transfer to the E-Z cut lino material and notice my shape does not fit on the lino, and will be a separate section

from dennis jordan’s site elementary assistant drawing transferred to the lino in reverse

I was given a large sack of foam stickets shapes and letters. Many used in various crafts over the months, but for the most part full sheets.

I always wanted to create printing plates and rubberstamps from this material, and this was a perfect time to experiment before the school year starts.

Using a wine cork I coated the ends with rubber cement, and allowed it to dry. Then peeled off a few letters and stuck them to the cork. Trimming off the excess. I first tried a used rubberstamp pad and then rolling acrylic paint out and inking with a brayer. Both worked well, however a rubberstamp pad would allow the younger student to be sucessful with a first try.

I found an old rubberstamp and removed the old foam stamp impression and adheared the foam stickers. These stuck very well to wood and required no prep work. I used the random shapes and lines. I stamped on two sheets of watercolor paper. The abstract designs and splashes of color made for an interesting effect.

I then used the remaining foam sheet. Sticking all of the shapes down to a stiff sheet of cardboard. Inked the plate using Daniel Smith Water based printing inks. Worked the ink with a brayer and rolled it onto the plate. I printed on a scrap of printmaking paper and rubbed with a Speedball Baren.

I was happy with the results of my quick work, and will introduce this project to my class in September.